Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Fabian Friess, Andreas Lendlein, Christian Wischke
Summary: This study successfully scaled the sizes of shape-memory polymer micronetworks to the low micrometer range with very narrow size distributions. A two-step microfluidic strategy involving specific design of coaxial class capillary devices allowed for efficient production of precursor particles in the tip-streaming regime, leading to final sizes down to 4 μm. Subsequent melt-based microfluidic photocrosslinking of the precursor material enabled the production of micronetworks without particle aggregation, showing successful crosslinking, semi-crystalline morphology, and shape-switching functionality for all investigated sizes.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ningquan Wang, Ruxiu Liu, Norh Asmare, Chia-Heng Chu, Ozgun Civelekoglu, A. Fatih Sarioglu
Summary: An adaptive microfluidic system with integrated electrical sensors for cell tracking and closed-loop feedback control is demonstrated in this work. The system measures cell flow speed at multiple locations, interprets data in real-time with deep learning algorithms, and uses a feedback controller to update a pressure pump for maintaining desired cell flow speed. The system shows fast convergence under continuous external perturbations, showcasing its potential for reliable standardized biomedical tests.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Claas-Hendrik Stamp, Binyam Solomon, Friederike Lang, Efstathios Mitropoulos, Thomas Pfohl
Summary: In this study, a membrane-based microfluidic device was developed to investigate the deformation of thin membranes in relation to the volume fractions of binary mixtures, and it can be used to control pressure-driven flows within the device by membrane deformation. When the volume fraction of isopropanol in the solvent exceeds a certain threshold, the membrane undergoes buckling deformation, resulting in sinusoidal height variations in adjacent channels and an increase in hydraulic resistance. The study demonstrates that buckling-based deflections of elastic membranes can amplify small changes in swelling and significantly manipulate the flow rate in microfluidic devices.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Qi Su, Weiran Chen, Weiping Chen, Zhijiang Jin, Zhenhao Lin
Summary: A novel microfluidic passive valve (MPV) capable of delivering a constant flow rate independently of inlet pressure changes is proposed in this paper. The constant flow rate of the MPV is maintained by automatically changing the size of the gap channel formed by the groove on the valve core and the baffle on the valve body.
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Hao Tang, Jiaqi Niu, Han Jin, Shujing Lin, Daxiang Cui
Summary: Passive and label-free microfluidic devices, with their simple design and reliance on geometric structure, have become popular in medical and bioresearch applications. This review discusses the importance of geometric design principles in passive and label-free microfluidics and summarizes the most creative innovations in microfluidic schemes such as deterministic lateral displacement, inertial microfluidics, and viscoelastic microfluidics. The aim of this review is to provide researchers with a guideline for incorporating geometric innovations into passive and label-free microfluidics.
MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
David McIntyre, Ali Lashkaripour, Polly Fordyce, Douglas Densmore
Summary: Microfluidics is a mature field with wide-ranging applications. However, the complexity of designing and controlling microfluidic devices hinders its adoption. Integration of machine learning with microfluidics can overcome these barriers and enable broader applications.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ilhoon Jang, Hyunwoong Kang, Simon Song, David S. Dandy, Brian J. Geiss, Charles S. Henry
Summary: Capillary-driven microfluidic devices made from paper and polyester film are commonly used due to their low cost and lack of external pumps. However, controlling flow in these devices can be challenging due to the sole reliance on capillary forces. This study introduces new flow control methods, such as push and burst valve systems, for increased functionality in laminate capillary-driven microfluidic devices. These methods enable precise control of flow direction, concentration, and velocity, ultimately offering new design possibilities for on-site analysis in various fields.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuqin He, Hao Zhou, Yingwei Tian, Da Huang, Jing Yang, Caijun Wang, Weimin Huang
Summary: This paper proposes a method for quality evaluation and quality control of high-frequency radar measurements of ocean surface current data, which improves reliability. The proposed method has been validated and implemented in operational software.
Article
Biophysics
Sidharth Modha, Carlos Castro, Hideaki Tsutsui
Summary: Over the last 10 years, paper has emerged as a promising substrate for affordable biosensors, with the field of paper-microfluidics rapidly evolving to handle complex devices. However, automated flow control on paper remains a challenge due to the lack of comprehensive theoretical models.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2021)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Junlei Chen, Ying Fan, Qiushi Zhang, Qiushuo Chen, Ming Cheng
Summary: This letter proposes an easy-implementation ultralocal model-based tuning-free controller (UL-TFC) to enhance the speed performance of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) in scenarios with load inertia variation. The UL-TFC is designed without additionally low-pass filter (LPF), and its performance against inertia and control frequency variations is analyzed. The tuning-free performance of the UL-TFC is experimentally confirmed.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Kenta Fukada, Michiko Seyama
Summary: Microfluidic control using reinforced learning with failure-based rewards can maximize training effect and find optimal separating conditions automatically, making it valuable in fields such as automatic synthetic chemistry, biomedical analysis, and microfabrication robotics.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jawairia Umar Khan, Mirbaz Ali Pathan, Sepidar Sayyar, Brett Paull, Peter C. C. Innis
Summary: Electrophoresis on textile fiber substrates allows for the movement, separation, and concentration of charged analytes. Researchers have developed an approach to optimize the experimental conditions affecting the electrophoretic separation on textile-based substrates. By adjusting the electric field magnitude, sample concentration, and sample volume, efficient separation can be achieved without compromising the analysis time on simple and low-cost textile substrates.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2023)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Ping'an Tan, Bin Song, Wang Lei, Han Yin, Bo Zhang
Summary: This article proposes a decoupling control method of double-side frequency tuning for LCC/S WPT system, which can improve the transmission efficiency and stability by avoiding information exchange and circuit complexity.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Jaewook Ryu, Junhyeong Kim, Ki-Ho Han
Summary: A disposable droplet generation microfluidic device (dDrop-Chip) is introduced in this study, which can control both droplet size and production rate in real time. The dDrop-Chip consists of a reusable sensing substrate and a disposable microchannel and integrates a droplet detector and a flow sensor on-chip. Experimental results demonstrate that the dDrop-Chip consistently generates monodisperse droplets with controlled size and production rate, making it a reliable and cost-effective technique for droplet-based applications.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Krishnashis Chatterjee, Philip M. Graybill, John J. Socha, Rafael Davalos, Anne E. Staples
Summary: The research shows that microfluidic devices designed by mimicking insect respiratory kinematics can control flow rate and direction without internal valves, and achieve selective response of individual channels to a single global actuation frequency.
BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Sylvia M. LaCourse, Daniel Leon, Nuttada Panpradist, Barbra A. Richardson, Elizabeth Maleche-Obimbo, Jerphason Mecha, Daniel Matemo, Jaclyn N. Escudero, John Kinuthia, Barry Lutz, Grace John-Stewart
Summary: In an infant tuberculosis prevention trial in Kenya, urine isoniazid metabolite-detecting dipsticks were used to assess adherence. Positive test results were associated with maternal secondary education, HIV suppression, and no reported missed doses in the past 3 days, suggesting caregiver education and self-medication influenced infant adherence.
PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Nicola F. Mueller, Cassia Wagner, Chris D. Frazar, Pavitra Roychoudhury, Jover Lee, Louise H. Moncla, Benjamin Pelle, Matthew Richardson, Erica Ryke, Hong Xie, Lasata Shrestha, Amin Addetia, Victoria M. Rachleff, Nicole A. P. Lieberman, Meei-Li Huang, Romesh Gautom, Geoff Melly, Brian Hiatt, Philip Dykema, Amanda Adler, Elisabeth Brandstetter, Peter D. Han, Kairsten Fay, Misja Llcisin, Kristen Lacombe, Thomas R. Sibley, Melissa Truong, Caitlin R. Wolf, Michael Boeckh, Janet A. Englund, Michael Famulare, Barry R. Lutz, Mark J. Rieder, Matthew Thompson, Jeffrey S. Duchin, Lea M. Starita, Helen Y. Chu, Jay Shendure, Keith R. Jerome, Scott Lindquist, Alexander L. Greninger, Deborah A. Nickerson, Trevor Bedford
Summary: The study analyzed the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Washington State in early 2020, finding that factors influencing transmission included the timing of mitigation measures and repeated introductions of viral lineages. Additionally, the increase in frequency of the 614G variant may be related to regional mobility differences and multiple introductions, but no evidence was found that this variant affects clinical severity or patient outcomes.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Correction
Medicine, General & Internal
Nuttada Panpradist, Qin Wang, Parker S. Ruth, Jack H. Kotnik, Amy K. Oreskovic, Abraham Miller, Samuel W. A. Stewart, Justin Vrana, Peter D. Han, Ingrid A. Beck, Lea M. Starita, Lisa M. Frenkel, Barry R. Lutz
Article
Infectious Diseases
Amy Oreskovic, Adam Waalkes, Elizabeth A. Holmes, Christopher A. Rosenthal, Douglas P. K. Wilson, Adrienne E. Shapiro, Paul K. Drain, Barry R. Lutz, Stephen J. Salipante
Summary: This study characterized the size and composition of urine cell-free DNA from tuberculosis patients using next-generation sequencing, finding that MTB cfDNA is shorter and increases in abundance with shorter fragment lengths. Additionally, a larger fraction of short human genomic cfDNA was identified in urine samples, along with cfDNA fragments spanning the MTB genome.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Sarah Iribarren, Hannah Milligan, Kyle Goodwin, Omar Alfonso Aguilar Vidrio, Cristina Chirico, Hugo Telles, Daniela Morelli, Barry Lutz, Jennifer Sprecher, Fernando Rubinstein
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a TB treatment support tool intervention on treatment outcomes and assess patient and provider perceptions of the facilitators and barriers to implementation. The intervention includes a smartphone app, treatment supporter, and a home-based adherence test strip, with the hypothesis that it will be more effective in improving outcomes. Data collection is expected to be completed by 2022, with results to be published within a year, providing evidence on the adoption of mobile health tools and broader implications for chronic disease management.
JMIR RESEARCH PROTOCOLS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Jackson J. Wallner, Ingrid A. Beck, Nuttada Panpradist, Parker S. Ruth, Humberto Valenzuela-Ponce, Maribel Soto-Nava, Santiago Avila-Rios, Barry R. Lutz, Lisa M. Frenkel
Summary: An inexpensive and easy-to-use rapid assay for detecting HLA-B*57:01 was developed in this study, which is of great significance for patients with HIV infection using ABC treatment.
AIDS RESEARCH AND HUMAN RETROVIRUSES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ian T. Hull, Enos C. Kline, Gaurav K. Gulati, Jack Henry Kotnik, Nuttada Panpradist, Kamal G. Shah, Qin Wang, Lisa Frenkel, James Lai, Joanne Stekler, Barry R. Lutz
Summary: The study presents a novel quantitative detection method for HIV DNA or RNA using a combination of recombinase polymerase amplification and lateral flow detection technologies, allowing for rapid and accurate testing in low-resource healthcare settings, with the potential to improve the quality of HIV treatment.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Tony Yang, Larry G. Kessler, Matthew J. Thompson, Barry R. Lutz
Summary: Home testing for infectious diseases, including COVID-19, has gained significant attention and commercial interest. However, the regulatory science and procedures for approval of home infectious disease tests have not yet been formalized by the FDA. This article discusses the state of home-based testing for influenza, regulatory pathways for market access, and provides recommendations for study designs and other important features.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nuttada Panpradist, Enos C. Kline, Robert G. Atkinson, Michael Roller, Qin Wang, Ian T. Hull, Jack H. Kotnik, Amy K. Oreskovic, Crissa Bennett, Daniel Leon, Victoria Lyon, Shane D. Gilligan-Steinberg, Peter D. Han, Paul K. Drain, Lea M. Starita, Matthew J. Thompson, Barry R. Lutz
Summary: The Harmony COVID-19 test offers a cost-effective and user-friendly solution for detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection, with a high success rate and accuracy, as demonstrated through clinical evaluations and usability testing.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Lucy F. Yang, Nataly Kacherovsky, Nuttada Panpradist, Ruixuan Wan, Joey Liang, Bo Zhang, Stephen J. Salipante, Barry R. Lutz, Suzie H. Pun
Summary: In this study, researchers identified a new DNA aptamer (SNAP4) that binds with high affinity to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. AptaFlow, a lateral flow assay using both SNAP1 and SNAP4, was able to detect UV-inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus at concentrations as low as 106 copies/mL.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Enos C. Kline, Nuttada Panpradist, Ian T. Hull, Qin Wang, Amy K. Oreskovic, Peter D. Han, Lea M. Starita, Barry R. Lutz
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of variant lineages has the potential to disrupt molecular diagnostics. To address this challenge, a robust Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification assay with multiplexed multitarget redundancy and an internal amplification control was developed. The assay showed high coverage and sensitivity, making it a valuable tool in point-of-care molecular diagnostics.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Sarah J. Iribarren, Hannah Milligan, Cristina Chirico, Kyle Goodwin, Rebecca Schnall, Hugo Telles, Alejandra Iannizzotto, Myrian Sanjurjo, Barry R. Lutz, Kenneth Pike, Fernando Rubinstein, Marcus Rhodehamel, Daniel Leon, Jesse Keyes, George Demiris
Summary: This study explored the acceptability, feasibility, and refinement needs of a TB Treatment Support Tools intervention. The results showed that the intervention was feasible and acceptable, and further improvements and testing are necessary.
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-AMERICAS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Gaurav K. Gulati, Nuttada Panpradist, Samuel W. A. Stewart, Ingrid A. Beck, Ceejay Boyce, Amy K. Oreskovic, Claudia Garcia-Morales, Santiago Avila-Rios, Peter D. Han, Gustavo Reyes-Teran, Lea M. Starita, Lisa M. Frenkel, Barry R. Lutz, James J. Lai
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted routine care for HIV patients, increasing the risk of virologic failure and HIV-related illnesses. A non-proprietary method has been developed to extract RNA from plasma and nasal secretions, allowing for the estimation of viral load and classification of HIV/SARS-CoV-2 status. The in-house RNA extraction workflow has shown high consistency with standard extraction methods in contrived samples and clinical specimens. This low-cost molecular test workflow can serve as an alternative to current standard assays in low-resource settings.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Peter G. Beidler, Alexander Novokhodko, Laura M. Prolo, Samuel Browd, Barry R. Lutz
Summary: This study investigates the fluidic sources of error for ICP measurement with concurrent drainage in an EVD, showing that the error in pressure measurement increases linearly with flow rate but is not clinically significant. The predicted maximum error from fluidic effects within the drainage system is small compared to other sources of error in current ICP monitoring, allowing for clinical use.
CUREUS JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Chunjong Park, Hung Ngo, Libby Rose Lavitt, Vincent Karuri, Shiven Bhatt, Peter Lubell-Doughtie, Anuraj H. Shankar, Leonard Ndwiga, Victor Osoti, Juliana K. Wambua, Philip Bejon, Lynette Isabella Ochola-Oyier, Monique Chilver, Nigel Stocks, Victoria Lyon, Barry R. Lutz, Matthew Thompson, Alex Mariakakis, Shwetak Patel
Summary: RDTScan is a system designed for detecting and interpreting lateral flow RDTs using a smartphone, providing real-time guidance for clear image capture and automatic interpretation for accurate diagnostic decisions. Through field evaluations, RDTScan achieved high accuracy rates in at-home influenza testing in Australia and malaria testing by community healthcare workers in Kenya compared to expert interpretation of RDTs.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACM ON INTERACTIVE MOBILE WEARABLE AND UBIQUITOUS TECHNOLOGIES-IMWUT
(2021)